Well this sounds like an intentional year I can get behind. I know there was a lot in here about making baking healthier, but I read “it’s the year of Shell’s biscuits”.
Lovely to read your reflections and ins and outs. I hear you. When I eat a lot of sugar, it also impacts my energy and health. But I loooove dessert 😅 These days, I allow myself a sweet treat if I’m really in the mood. I try to check in and not just eat out of habit or the joy of sharing sweets with others (although I know I sometimes do). I’m excited to see what you come up with this year, Shell. :)
I also like this granola recipe. I’ve seen egg whites in granola before (and maybe tried it a looong time ago), but I can’t recall the purpose. Does it make the granola more crisp?
Thank you Leslie! I am absolutely with you. I love dessert. And I love making it, I love the process of it.
That sounds very sensible! Mindful eating is definitely the way to go, being sure to really enjoy that sweet treat and relish it. Rather than just stuffing your face with abandon! I have been testing some healthier bakes the last week or so and I do feel better for it.
And thank you! So, the egg white acts as a binding agent, to replace the syrup you've taken away. And yes, I think it does make it more crisp too!
Thanks Lala! Oooh, well, I do love fruits so I’m sure there will be lots of fruitiness. In terms of vegan, I don't have specific plans at the moment, but I absolutely adore Philip Khoury and his plant based philosophy. So I’m sure they will pop up in my experiments!
I love the idea of balanced bakes! It’s hard to completely give up a category of food that is so enjoyed. Looking forward to what you share this year, Shell. And going to make that granola because it looks amazing! 🤩
Thank you Giovanna! I’m so pleased you like the list. I think so many of us feel in similar ways don't we? And often, I feel quite isolated in those feelings, so when I share them and others relate, it really helps 😊
I love the spices and seeds in this Granola! I concur with Sheryl too; You will rock 2026 out of the ballpark no doubt! Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us as always!!
HNY lovely - these are some fantastic intentions for the new year. But as you allude to, you were already killing it with the path you were already on. Your photography, bakes and content in general were and are top notch 👌
Very much looking forward to seeing what unfolds for you this year 😄 I’ll be here, cheerleading you on! X
Love the look of that granola, Shell, and I'd be tempted to add even more fennel 😊. A pinch of fennel pollen might be a good sub in too, for a subtle flavour boost. I will look forward to your savoury bakes, as I am generally a "cheese over chocolate" kind of gal! 💕
There seems to be a lot of us here writing about how we should give resolutions a rethink. You may enjoy this post from my friend Barbara Ellen McMahon, in which she says: “I don’t believe in self-improvement. I think we’re all fine just the way we are. Some of us may need to behave a little better. But behaviour and being are not the same thing. Who you are is lovely. How your life is working might stand a bit of an upgrade.”
Thank you so much Elizabeth! Oooh fennel pollen is a fabulous idea. On one test, I did add 2 tsp of fennel and it was very nice. Just slightly over powering. However, if you love the fennel, then I say go for it!
Oh marvellous, I do hope you like them! It is admittingly a lot of pies.
Yes! I need to catch up on so many posts! I caught up with Vanilla Black today and you are on my list for tomorrow! Thank you for sending me Barbara’s post. I think I am going to enjoy that!
I predict you are going to have a banner year filled with personal growth and success. This time next year, I will simply write - I told you so 😉🎀
Oh - and I am going to make my son the granola, he will likely eat it all in one sitting!
Aw Sheryl, you sweetheart! Thank you! ❤️
Haha, and I hope he enjoys the granola! My son's appetite is starting to ramp up too. It's alarming!
Those young lads and their appetites - wait until you need to roast another chicken just for him only to be told an hour later he is hungry!
😲 Another roast chicken and still hungry!! Oh my gosh.
Well this sounds like an intentional year I can get behind. I know there was a lot in here about making baking healthier, but I read “it’s the year of Shell’s biscuits”.
I’m definitely on board with that.
Hahaha! Thank you Lisa. Well, that's what balance is! A gorgeous, healthy lunch. And then a well made afternoon biscuit with your tea!
Lovely to read your reflections and ins and outs. I hear you. When I eat a lot of sugar, it also impacts my energy and health. But I loooove dessert 😅 These days, I allow myself a sweet treat if I’m really in the mood. I try to check in and not just eat out of habit or the joy of sharing sweets with others (although I know I sometimes do). I’m excited to see what you come up with this year, Shell. :)
I also like this granola recipe. I’ve seen egg whites in granola before (and maybe tried it a looong time ago), but I can’t recall the purpose. Does it make the granola more crisp?
Thank you Leslie! I am absolutely with you. I love dessert. And I love making it, I love the process of it.
That sounds very sensible! Mindful eating is definitely the way to go, being sure to really enjoy that sweet treat and relish it. Rather than just stuffing your face with abandon! I have been testing some healthier bakes the last week or so and I do feel better for it.
And thank you! So, the egg white acts as a binding agent, to replace the syrup you've taken away. And yes, I think it does make it more crisp too!
I'm excited to hear more about your new baking ventures. Are you going to try baking more vegan recipes or fruit forward desserts this year as well?
Thanks Lala! Oooh, well, I do love fruits so I’m sure there will be lots of fruitiness. In terms of vegan, I don't have specific plans at the moment, but I absolutely adore Philip Khoury and his plant based philosophy. So I’m sure they will pop up in my experiments!
I love the idea of balanced bakes! It’s hard to completely give up a category of food that is so enjoyed. Looking forward to what you share this year, Shell. And going to make that granola because it looks amazing! 🤩
Thank you Betty! And yay! I hope you like it 😊
First of all, I want that granola :) and I truly love your list, I could have seriously written it myself. 🤍
Thank you Giovanna! I’m so pleased you like the list. I think so many of us feel in similar ways don't we? And often, I feel quite isolated in those feelings, so when I share them and others relate, it really helps 😊
That lovely homemade granola is so in line with your "IN" for sustainability!!!
Thank you! Yes, I am trying! 😂
Sounds great, I'm in!
Yippee!
I love the spices and seeds in this Granola! I concur with Sheryl too; You will rock 2026 out of the ballpark no doubt! Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us as always!!
Thank you Aki! I’m so pleased you like the granola and same to you Aki, I can't wait to see more of your creations and read more of your stories! 😀
HNY lovely - these are some fantastic intentions for the new year. But as you allude to, you were already killing it with the path you were already on. Your photography, bakes and content in general were and are top notch 👌
Very much looking forward to seeing what unfolds for you this year 😄 I’ll be here, cheerleading you on! X
Aw lovely, thank you so much! Well, right back at you on all counts. I can see 2026 being a stellar year for you! X
Love the look of that granola, Shell, and I'd be tempted to add even more fennel 😊. A pinch of fennel pollen might be a good sub in too, for a subtle flavour boost. I will look forward to your savoury bakes, as I am generally a "cheese over chocolate" kind of gal! 💕
There seems to be a lot of us here writing about how we should give resolutions a rethink. You may enjoy this post from my friend Barbara Ellen McMahon, in which she says: “I don’t believe in self-improvement. I think we’re all fine just the way we are. Some of us may need to behave a little better. But behaviour and being are not the same thing. Who you are is lovely. How your life is working might stand a bit of an upgrade.”
https://barbaraellenmcmahon.substack.com/p/better-than-a-resolution
Thank you so much Elizabeth! Oooh fennel pollen is a fabulous idea. On one test, I did add 2 tsp of fennel and it was very nice. Just slightly over powering. However, if you love the fennel, then I say go for it!
Oh marvellous, I do hope you like them! It is admittingly a lot of pies.
Yes! I need to catch up on so many posts! I caught up with Vanilla Black today and you are on my list for tomorrow! Thank you for sending me Barbara’s post. I think I am going to enjoy that!
I absolutely love this, some fantastic intentions for you and your family 💖 Also... BISCUITS 😂
Thank you lovely one!! Haha, everyone loves biscuits! 😂